The Google Pixel 8a, a budget-friendly phone with advanced AI capabilities, has finally been unveiled after much anticipation. It borrows design elements from the Google Pixel 8 and 7a, including the unique rectangular camera bar and a 6.1-inch display, but with some tweaks.
The screen is a 2400 x 1400 resolution Acuta panel, offering 40% more brightness than the Pixel 7a and a 120Hz refresh rate. The rear camera setup includes a 64MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide camera, while the front features a 13MP camera.
Aloe (a light pastel green), Bay (light blue), Obsidian (black), and Porcelain (white). Unlike the Pixel 7a, which only had a 128GB storage option, the Pixel 8a also offers a 256GB variant. It supports 18W wireless and Qi charging, and its battery capacity has increased slightly to 4,492mAh.
Smart Features, Pricing, and Availability
The phone is powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chip, enabling it to offer the same AI and generative AI features as the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. These include Best Take for group photos, Magic Editor for photo editing, Audio Magic Eraser for video noise reduction, Real Tone for accurate skin tones in videos, and Guided Frame mode for visually impaired users.
Other AI features include Circle to Search, Call Assist, and the Gemini AI assistant, which can perform tasks like summarizing emails and adding images. The phone also includes safety features like car crash detection and an automated safety check.
In essence, the Google Pixel 8a offers a more affordable way to access Google’s latest smart and AI-based features. Priced at $499 / £449, it maintains the same price point as its predecessor but offers more powerful hardware and smart features. It also promises seven years of software updates, a first for the Pixel a-series.
Pre-orders for the Google Pixel 8a are now live, and the phone will be available from May 14. We recommend waiting for our review before purchasing. If you’re eager to buy a phone today, consider options from our best phones and best cheap phone lists.
